Former Duke University coach John Rennie has been named U.S. Club Soccer's Director of Youth Development and will work with the organization's clubs to improve the skills of their young players.

"Nothing is more important to the future of our game than improving the skills of our young players, especially those 6 to 12 years old," Rennie said. "Nothing is more gratifying than to see the rapid improvement that results from proper training. There is almost unanimous agreement that most of our players in this country are not good enough at the highest levels. It is the goal of US Club Soccer to help our players, coaches and clubs change that. If we work hard with players, educate coaches and encourage clubs to put more emphasis on recreational players and their youngest top-quality players, we can have an impact."

Rennie, who retired after the 2007 season, coached the Blue Devils for 29 years, leading them to an NCAA Division I title in 1985. he is the all-time leader in wins in the ACC and advanced his squads to five NCAA Final Fours.